Everglades National Park is a must-see if you plan to explore South Florida. There are three entrances to the park. The Shark Valley entrance is west of Miami and 315 miles from The Villages. This entrance is notable because the site has a 15-mile paved loop ideal for bicycles, the park's tram, and walkers. You can rent the bikes, and the tram rides include a narrated tour by one of the park's Rangers. If you want to camp overnight in your RV, you'll need to use the main entrance in Homestead. There are two RV parks: Long Pine Key Campground, situated by a fishing pond and a hiking trail, and Flamingo Campground, located on the shores of Florida Bay. Flamingo Campground has hiking and canoe trails as well as salt-water fishing, and it's also the only spot where you'll find RV hookups available. Long Pine Key is open from November to May and closed during the rainy season.
Biscayne National Park is located about 275 miles south of The Villages and makes for a pleasant stopover if you visit the Miami area. Most of the park is water, so you can launch a boat or plan to scuba dive or snorkel. There is no RV camping here, though you will find some options nearby.
Dry Tortugas National Park may be an interesting side trip if you are going to spend some time in Key West. The park covers 100 square miles, including seven islands with their coral reefs. You can reach it by seaplane, boat or a two-hour ferry ride from Key West. The coral reefs and sea turtles provide ample entertainment for snorkelers. Primitive camping is allowed at this site, but campers must bring their own water.
Lake Griffin State Park is a lovely spot about 10 miles southeast of The Villages. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or boats to navigate through the canal and across Lake Griffin. Guided boat rides are available, and fishing and hiking are popular activities here. The RV's maximum allowable length is 40 feet, and there are full hookups in the campgrounds.
Silver Springs State Park is another beautiful area. This park is 23 miles north of The Villages and is renowned for its crystal clear, cool spring water. You can travel down the Silver River and Fort King waterway in a rental canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or transparent bottom kayak. Glass bottom boat tours are also available. There are multiple hiking trails where you might glimpse an armadillo, deer, fox, bobcat, or black bear. RVs with a maximum length of 50 feet are welcome, and there are partial hookups.
You'll find Rainbow Springs State Park 40 miles northwest of The Villages. This lush park has clear spring water, manmade waterfalls, and ornamental gardens. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along the Rainbow River. Tubing is available from April through September. The campground accommodates RVs up to 103 feet long. All the sites have full hookups.
Florida has three national forests, all allowing RV camping, and they are reasonably close to The Villages.
Ocala National Forest is 31 miles northeast of The Villages. This 383,000-acre forest has more than 600 lakes and ponds and sits between the St. Johns and the Ocklawaha rivers. Favorite activities include fishing, paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching. Be careful when you are on the hiking trails because this park is home to the largest population of bears in Florida. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for alligators when you're around the water. The Salt Springs Recreation Area is the only campground in the park providing full RV hookups.
Oceola National Forest is 113 miles north of The Villages. Hiking trails run through majestic pine forests and swampy waters under cypress trees, and Ocean Point Lake is a relaxing spot to sit back and wait for the fish to bite. RV camping is available at the Ocean Pond Campground, which provides partial hookups for RVs with a maximum length of 50 feet.
Apalachicola National Forest, the largest of Florida's three national forests, is 260 miles from The Villages. This park is a good choice if you are exploring the Florida Panhandle; however, only some campgrounds have electrical hookups. Hunting is a popular activity here, as are hiking, fishing, and swimming. Black bears, alligators, and deer are some of the larger animals you might see on your hikes.
Canaveral National Seashore offers a 25-mile stretch of pristine coastline on a barrier island 84 miles east of The Villages and 20 miles north of the Kennedy Space Center. Its beach is one of the favorite viewing spots when there is a rocket launch. Its Turtle Mound archaeological site is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. There are a few hiking trails, and park rangers lead guided tours. The only camping is on nearby islands that are only accessible by boat.
The Fort Matanzas National Monument honors the Spanish soldiers who defended St. Augustine against British attackers on the Matanzas River. If you are planning a trip to St. Augustine, this might be an enjoyable stop on your way. The fort is on an island, so you'll have to purchase a ferry ticket. During some weekends, soldiers reenact the battle, which the Spanish won.
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument commemorates the Spanish stone fort built in 1695. This time, it's not a British general attacking St. Augustine; it's marauding pirates. One of the hiking trails leads into downtown St. Augustine.
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake is not your average RV park. It has a nine-hole golf course and a restaurant if you get tired from hiking in the nearby Ocala National Forest and don't want to cook. There's also a lake for those days when you feel like catching your dinner. The resort has full hookups and welcomes RVs up to 65 feet long. This RV resort is 45 miles north of The Villages, just south of Gainesville.
Ocala North RV Park is about a mile away from Orange Lake. It doesn't have a golf course, but it is a heavily wooded site with low prices. There are full hookups for the RVs.
Fisherman’s Cove RV Park is in Tavares on the shores of Lake Harris, 23 miles southeast of The Villages. If you enjoy fishing, you can rent a boat or sit on the dock. The site is 38 miles north of Orlando, so it's an easy commute for day trips. There are 300 RV sites with full hookups.
Lazydays RV at The Villages has a free dump station outside their gates. You can access this 24/7.
Thousand Palms RV Resorts is located in Wildwood, approximately 7 miles south of The Villages. You can use the dump station there for a small fee if you're not a registered guest.
Recreation Plantation RV Resort is in Lady Lake, approximately 5 miles east of The Villages. They charge non-residents $25 to use the dump station.
The Villages is a 34-square-mile master-planned active retirement community in central Florida. Many residents love to travel, and their central Florida location makes them ideally situated to explore the rest of the state. Two RV parking lots in The Villages have a long waiting list.
RVshare has a wide variety of towable trailers, including the very popular travel trailer, which can sleep up to 10 people, depending on its length. If you like to travel with a lot of gear, a toy hauler is your best bet. It has a separate garage area with a loading ramp for motorbikes, bicycles, and an outdoor grill, among other things. If you don't want to bring a car, consider renting a Class A luxurious RV that handles like a bus, a smaller Class C that feels like a car when driving, or the slightly larger Class B built on a small truck chassis.
Kennedy Space Center is 83 miles east of The Villages, which makes it an ideal day trip. Other travelers recommend that you plan on staying at least six hours. The center has guided tours, two IMAX theaters, and interactive exhibits.
St. Augustine is another delightful place to visit. It's about 100 miles northeast of The Villages and well worth the trip, with lots of history, shopping, restaurants, and lovely St. Augustine Beach nearby. From The Villages, you can travel 40 miles west to the Gulf of Mexico or 70 miles east to the Atlantic Ocean to spend a day at more of Florida's beautiful beaches. For fans of the ultimate theme park, The Villages is also about 60 miles northwest of Walt Disney World in Orlando.
How do I correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in The Villages, FL without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in The Villages, FL?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in The Villages, FL?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in The Villages, FL, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in The Villages, FL?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
